Foot care

Foot injuries and conditions are common. Health conditions that affect other parts of your body can also affect your feet.

Common foot injuries

Ligament sprains, such as ankle sprains, are common and happen when joint ligaments stretch and tear. This leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Rest, ice and keeping the foot elevated (raised) can help mild sprains heal. Severe sprains need medical attention.

Broken bones in the feet can be caused by trauma from a fall or a sports injury.

Common foot conditions

• Heel pain, can result from conditions such as plantar fasciitis, as a result of poor shoe choice, having flat feet or walking on hard surfaces.
• Bunions form when your toes and feet change shape, causing pain when walking or wearing shoes.
• Plantar warts usually affect the soles of the feet (but can also affect the palms of the hands).
• Tinea, also known as athlete's foot, is an infection of the skin. It is a red, itchy or flaky rash and the skin may look cracked or peeling, especially between toes.
• Corns and calluses are caused by abnormalities in bone structure or from pressure from footwear or walking. They are often found on the tops of the toes, balls of the feet, and heels.

Other foot skin conditions and toenail problems, such as fungal or thickened toenails, ingrown toenails, discoloured skin or nails, need regular foot care and advice from a health professional.

Some health conditions that affect the whole body can cause specific changes in your feet.

Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, reduce blood flow and increase the risk of infection. Damage to the nerves in your feet is also known as diabetic neuropathy. This condition may cause symptoms such as pain, tingling, and reduced sensation. Because you might not feel injuries, they can become ulcers. If ulcers don't heal, this may, in severe cases, lead to amputation. This is why it is important to check your feet regularly for any signs of damage. Read more on diabetes and your feet (Opens in new tab).

Poor blood flow to the feet can cause blue- or purple-tinged skin, sores, numbness, pain or 'pins and needles' when walking or resting. Circulation problems in the legs and feet might also increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can damage the joints of the feet. This can lead to deformity and pain in affected areas.

As you get older, the cushioning and soft tissue under the heels and balls of your feet and near your toes gets thinner. Your skin loses its elasticity and strength. Toenails become more brittle, thicker and tougher, making them harder to cut. This increases the risk of ingrown toenails, fungal and other infections.

Bone deformities, such as bunions and arthritis, can lead to foot health conditions, such as pain, corns and calluses. They might also increase your risk of falls.

Podiatrists are university-trained health professionals who treat medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower legs. They work in private clinics, community health services or public hospitals.

Other health professionals, such as orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists, can help with problems of the muscles and bones of your feet and ankles. You may need a referral from your GP to see these specialists.

To find a podiatrist, physiotherapist or orthopaedic surgeon near you, use the healthdirect service finder, or ask your GP.

A good daily foot health routine includes:

• washing and drying your feet
• checking for redness, swelling, bruising, cuts, pus, splinters, or blisters
• moisturising your skin

Cut toenails straight across, filing sharp edges. Avoid over-the-counter corn cures and tight socks or stockings, especially if you have diabetes.

If you notice a change or problem with your feet, seek help. If you can't see clearly, ask a family member or carer to check your feet for you.

Make sure your shoes fit you well and suit the activity you are doing. Shoes should be the right length. You should leave around one thumb-with (1.5cm) of space between your longest toe and the front of your shoe.

The Australian Podiatry Association (Opens in new tab) in your state can help you find a podiatrist with specialised knowledge.

Foot Forward (Opens in new tab) is a National Diabetes Services Scheme program that has information, education, support, resources and activities for people with diabetes. They also have resources available in languages other than English (Opens in new tab).

Read more on how to care for your baby or toddler's feet.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Read the article Looking After Feet (Opens in new tab).

Download the phone App (Opens in new tab) that puts foot health in Aboriginal hands.